Search Results (18,249)

The Upper Oligocene–Lower Miocene Alibonca Formation retains an essential record of intricate relationships among carbonate platform evolution, volcanic–sedimentary inflow, and high-purity silica deposition. This study examines the stratigraphic structure, paleoenvironmental development, and industrial viability of the Ağın diatomite deposits using comprehensive sedimentological, mineralogical, and geochemical investigations. Stratigraphic evidence indicates that the formation commenced with Early Miocene alluvial fan and shallow restricted marine sub-basin sedimentation prior to evolving into a significant marine incursion. This marine phase created a resilient carbonate platform structure consisting of reef-core, fore-reef, and back-reef sub-environments. Simultaneously, vigorous regional synsedimentary volcanism introduced high-flux silica pulses into the basin, acting as a major catalyst for diatom proliferation and high biological productivity within a restricted sub-basin setting. Geochemical analyses indicate that these bright white, diatomite deposits formed in conjunction with potassium-rich clays in a relatively deep, low-energy, and confined sub-basin of the Alibonca Sea. The high concentration of bulk SiO₂ and low trace element baselines are consistent with a high-purity deposional system and a low total rare earth element (ΣREE) abundance. However, their relatively high Al₂O₃ and K₂O contents indicate significant volcanic and terrigenous detrital input together with authigenic clay mineral formation during diatomite deposition, classifying the deposits as clay-bearing (argillaceous) diatomites rather than exceptionally pure diatomites. Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values indicate moderate continental chemical weathering under mostly hot and humid paleoclimatic conditions. The rapid terrestrial runoff and nutrient influx stimulated significant diatom growth before the ultimate late Early Miocene marine regression, transforming the area into a subaerial, volcanically influenced terrestrial environment. The Ağın deposits exemplify intra-platform marine silica sinks, demonstrating how tectonic–magmatic influences can surpass typical carbonate factory conditions to provide economically valuable biogenic mineral resources. Full article

Anthocyanins dictate the nutritional quality of purple-fleshed sweetpotato (PFSP), yet how the lignin pathway influences anthocyanin biosynthesis and phenylpropanoid metabolic flux allocation remains largely elusive. Through integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of a purple-fleshed sweetpotato cultivar (XZ13) and its natural mutant (XZ13M), we revealed that diminished anthocyanin accumulation correlated strongly with systemic transcriptional repression of the phenylpropanoid pathway. We subsequently identified a crucial methyltransferase gene, IbCCoAOMT7, with dual nucleocytoplasmic localization. Its overexpression in its storage roots was directly associated with reduced anthocyanin accumulation and increased lignin content. Further investigations suggested that IbCCoAOMT7 was putatively involved in modulating metabolic flux toward lignin biosynthesis that downregulates the transcriptional activity of core anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. Collectively, our study highlights that IbCCoAOMT7 represents a promising candidate gene that influences the balance between the lignin and anthocyanin pathways. These findings propose a tentative regulatory model, possibly involving substrate availability and transcriptional feedback inhibition, providing precise genetic targets for breeding anthocyanin-enriched sweetpotato. Full article

Yaks are an ideal model for investigating mammalian adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia; however, the underlying adaptive mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying yak adaptation to high altitudes, focusing on the role of the PINK1/Parkin pathway. In particular, we established normoxic and hypoxic models of yak skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs). In addition, we examined the relationship between PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and the activities of key enzymes involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism. At the tissue level, an increase in altitude significantly decreased p62 expression and upregulated LC3B-II expression. Notably, mitophagy levels and the expression of PINK1 and Parkin in the skeletal muscle, lungs, and myocardial tissues increased with altitude. At the cellular level, hypoxia markedly elevated the expression of PINK1 and Parkin proteins in SMSCs, induced the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II, decreased p62 accumulation, significantly increased the number of autolysosomes, and enhanced autophagic flux. Hypoxia altered mitochondrial electron transport chain function, resulting in compensatory elevation of key enzyme activities in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. However, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) treatment reversed these hypoxia-induced changes. In conclusion, yak SMSCs sustain mitochondrial functional homeostasis under hypoxia via PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, effectively managing hypoxic stress. Full article

Axial-flux permanent-magnet (AFPM) machines are becoming an increasingly promising solution for electromechanical systems requiring high power density. In particular, their use is expanding to electric vehicles (EVs), the aerospace industry, and advanced industrial applications, such as renewable energy applications. Their compact design, high torque-to-mass ratio, and relatively high efficiency make AFPM machines an attractive alternative to traditional radial-flux solutions. However, their integration for widespread application remains limited due to challenges in design, manufacturing, thermal management, and control systems, which ultimately also have an economic impact. This article presents a comprehensive and systematic review of AFPM machines, covering key aspects, including topology classification, design methodologies, electromagnetic modelling, optimisation methods, materials and manufacturing processes, and advanced control strategies. A structured, multi-level classification of AFPM machines is presented, incorporating stator and rotor configurations, magnetic circuit structures, winding types, and materials, thereby providing a unified overview of existing designs. Furthermore, the article presents an in-depth analysis of the sizing equations used to calculate and estimate the parameters, approaches to electromagnetic modelling (including the finite element method and magnetic equivalent circuits), and modern optimisation methods based on artificial intelligence. Particular attention is paid to materials science and new manufacturing technologies, such as soft magnetic composites, printed circuit board stators, and additive manufacturing, as well as to thermal management solutions required for high-power-density applications. This work provides a unified reference framework for researchers and engineers and outlines future directions for the development and industrial adoption of AFPM machines. Full article

Brewery wastewater is a high-strength industrial effluent containing substantial organic, suspended, and colloidal fractions and therefore requires multistage treatment. This study evaluated sedimentation, prefiltration, coagulation, ceramic membrane filtration, and reverse osmosis (RO) polishing for improving the quality of actual brewery wastewater under short-term laboratory conditions. The acidic wastewater had chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) values of 48,230 mg O₂/L, 34,160 mg O₂/L, and 6492 mg C/L, respectively. Three configurations were investigated: mechanical treatment; PIX 113 coagulation followed by ceramic microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), or fine UF; and an integrated UF-RO system. Performance was assessed using contaminant removal, relative permeate flux (J/J₀), particle size analysis, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential. Sedimentation and prefiltration provided limited treatment, whereas coagulation effectively destabilized colloids; a PIX 113 dosage of 2 mL/L was selected as a favorable compromise among the tested dosages. Among the ceramic membrane-based trains, the train ending with the 1 kDa membrane produced the highest-quality permeate, with overall COD, BOD₅, and DOC removals of 78.2%, 88.7%, and 49.8%, respectively. The tested sedimentation–prefiltration–coagulation-50 kDa UF-RO train achieved the highest overall removals: 97.9% COD, 98.6% BOD₅, and 94.0% DOC. The overall removals of chloride and nitrate ions in this train were 92.5% and 68.5%, respectively. The results indicate that coagulation-assisted ceramic membrane filtration followed by RO can substantially improve permeate quality. The novelty of the work lies in linking coagulation-assisted ceramic membrane filtration and RO polishing with particle-size and electrokinetic characterization, thereby clarifying the role of each treatment barrier and identifying an effective laboratory-scale train for upgrading high-strength brewery wastewater. Full article

N-Acetylaspartate (NAA), historically considered a brain-restricted neuro-metabolite, has emerged as a pivotal regulator in cancer biology. Governed by the biosynthetic enzyme N-acetyltransferase 8-like (NAT8L), the NAA axis exerts notable biological effects in malignancies. This review delineates the NAA axis as a context-dependent metabolic rheostat that is strategically hijacked by malignancies to orchestrate growth and immune evasion. Rather than a passive bystander, the NAA axis functions through distinct, histology-specific paradigms: it either serves as a metabolic reservoir to fuel lipid biomass expansion or is suppressed to redirect aspartate flux toward nucleotide biosynthesis, depending on the tumor’s unique genetic and metabolic bottlenecks. Beyond cell-intrinsic reprogramming, tumor-derived NAA is increasingly linked to immune evasion by impairing cytotoxic lymphocyte function and driving pro-tumorigenic M2-like macrophage polarization. By reconciling these disparate oncogenic roles, this review highlights the NAA axis as an important node of metabolic plasticity and evaluates its potential utility as a circulating biomarker and a stratifiable therapeutic target in diverse human malignancies. Full article

UV-based water treatment technologies are suitable for removing persistent organic micropollutants and can be used as a quaternary treatment in the production of drinking water. The most commonly used light source is a low-pressure mercury vapor lamp (LPMV) that emits at 254 nm. KrCl excimer lamps emitting at 222 nm are a potential mercury-free light source for ultraviolet (UV)-based advanced oxidation processes. In addition, 222 nm UV light may be more effective in photolysis of oxidants and radical generation than 254 nm. Experiments were conducted in both ultrapure water and biologically treated domestic wastewater, using LPMV and KrCl lamps, with two radical promoters (H₂O₂ and peroxydisulfate (PDS)) to transform and eliminate the trimetoprim antibiotic. At the same electrical power, the UV photon flux of the LPMV exceeds that of the KrCl lamp by an order of magnitude. However, the molar absorbance of PDS and H₂O₂ at 222 nm was significantly higher than that measured at 254 nm, thereby compensating for the low photon flux. Although competition between trimethoprim and matrix components for 222 nm UV photons may significantly reduce efficiency, the 222 nm excimer lamp was found to be a viable alternative to the 254 nm LPM, given its advantages and disadvantages. Full article

Fast-charging graphite-based lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are limited by sluggish Li⁺ desolvation, interfacial charge transfer, and solid-state diffusion in graphite (Gr). Herein, a salt-concentration-regulated lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) in 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) electrolyte is developed to construct an anion-involved solvation structure for fast-charging graphite-based LIBs. At an appropriate LiTFSI concentration, TFSI⁻ is incorporated into the primary Li⁺ solvation sheath, forming a contact-ion-pair (CIP)-dominated solvation structure. The optimized electrolyte exhibits a Li⁺ transference number of 0.76 and an exchange current density of 0.28 mA cm⁻², indicating accelerated Li⁺ transport and interfacial charge transfer. Furthermore, a more uniform interfacial Li⁺ flux distribution is obtained, contributing to suppressed localized Li growth. As a result, Gr||Li half cells deliver 168 mAh g⁻¹ at 10 C (1 C = 370 mAh g⁻¹). LFP||Gr full cells with an LiFePO₄ (LFP) areal capacity of 4 mAh cm⁻² deliver 115 mAh g⁻¹ at 2 C and retain 69% capacity after 200 cycles. This work highlights moderate salt-concentration regulation in DOL/FEC electrolytes as an effective strategy for fast graphite lithiation without relying on fluorinated ether solvents or localized high-concentration formulations. Full article

Multi-scale vortex structures constitute the intrinsic skeleton of turbulent flows and govern the energy cascade process in oceanic turbulence. Elucidating their evolutionary dynamics is crucial for understanding turbulent mixing and transport. In this study, we develop an innovative Energy Cascade Multilayer Directed Network (ECMDN) framework grounded in complex network theory to directly characterize nonlinear energy coupling pathways and directional transfers among multi-scale vortices in real marine environments. By integrating multi-parameter fusion node definitions, multi-scale interaction detection, and energy transfer direction identification, the ECMDN reconstructs the nonlinear turbulent system into a topologically interpretable structure. The emergent network properties enable quantitative characterization of intermittency and inhomogeneity in the energy cascade, offering new insights into vortex interactions and cross-scale energy transfer mechanisms. Compared with conventional cascade diagnostics including spectral flux, third-order velocity structure functions, multifractal analysis and shell models that require homogeneity and local equilibrium assumptions and only output global averaged energy flux, the proposed ECMDN multilayer network retains point-wise depth coordinates of each vortex interaction, separates directed forward/inverse energy edges, and quantifies intermittency via topological metrics. Analysis of the single Shenhu thermocline shear segment demonstrates these differentiated analytical capabilities of the proposed framework. Application to shear measurements from the Shenhu Sea reveals the simultaneous occurrence of forward and inverse energy cascades, manifesting a synchronous dual-energy-cascade pattern. This indicates that vortices at a given scale can concurrently transfer energy to larger- or smaller-scale structures and receive energy from larger- or smaller-scale counterparts during the cascade process. Our findings observe a typical synchronous dual-energy-cascade pattern in the strong thermocline of the Shenhu Sea, providing a novel theoretical and methodological framework for investigating the spatiotemporal evolution of stratified ocean turbulent mixing and advancing our understanding of geophysical fluid dynamics. Full article

Metallic probe carriers are commonly used in magnetic flux leakage (MFL) inspection to support sensing elements and maintain lift-off, but a conductive carrier located near the sensor can act as an active electromagnetic boundary. This study investigates the carrier-induced waveform reconstruction caused by such a conductive near-field boundary. A theoretical model is developed to describe the induced current, secondary magnetic field, and relaxation-related downstream memory generated when the carrier moves through a non-uniform leakage field. Transient finite-element simulations are used to examine the effects of carrier material, scanning speed, and concave carrier geometry. Compared with the air reference, aluminum and copper carriers produce stage-dependent waveform reconstruction, including valley modification, peak modulation, feature-position shift, and trailing-side extension. The quantitative waveform-deviation indicators increase with increasing speed and are further regulated by carrier geometry. Experimental results based on repeated magnetic response events confirm amplitude suppression, non-zero residual after amplitude matching, response broadening, and enhanced trailing asymmetry. These results demonstrate that the metallic probe carrier is not an electromagnetically transparent holder but an active near-field conductive boundary that should be considered in probe-carrier design and MFL signal interpretation. Full article

Methane ($C{H}_4$) is the second most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas, accounting for approximately 30% of current global warming. Since 2007, atmospheric methane concentrations have been increasing at an accelerating rate, reaching a record 1945.85 ppb in November 2025. The emergence of high-resolution satellite constellations has transformed our ability to detect, quantify, and attribute methane emissions from space. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of high-resolution global methane mapping, examining: (1) the evolution of satellite missions from coarse-resolution sounders like TROPOMI (5.5 × 7 km) to very high-resolution imagers including WorldView-3 (3.7 m), GHGSat (50 m), and the recently launched Tanager-1 (30 m); (2) advances in retrieval algorithms, including the transition from physics-based matched filter methods to deep learning approaches such as U-Net architectures achieving F1-scores of 78.4% on Sentinel-2 imagery; (3) integration of satellite observations with atmospheric inverse models for flux estimation; (4) the impact of satellite-derived data on policy frameworks including the Global Methane Pledge and EPA’s Super-Emitter Program; and (5) remaining challenges including cloud contamination, detection limit trade-offs, and the need for sustained validation networks. We synthesize findings from over 200 peer-reviewed studies and analyze 42 years of NOAA global methane observations to demonstrate how the convergence of improved spatial resolution, machine learning, and international coordination is enabling unprecedented transparency in global methane monitoring. The review concludes with recommendations for future satellite missions and data assimilation strategies needed to meet the Global Methane Pledge target of 30% emission reductions by 2030. Full article

This article presents the design and implementation of a control system for an adaptive light luminaire with variable light distribution. The developed solution enables dynamic shaping of the light distribution characteristics by simultaneously controlling the geometry of the optical system and the spatial distribution of the emitted light flux. The system utilizes two cooperating control mechanisms. The first is implemented by four independently controlled reflectors with adjustable angles of inclination. The second is based on the independent control of eight sections of LED light sources. The coordination of both systems enables the implementation of various operating scenarios, including symmetric, asymmetric, and adaptive configurations, with variants of narrow and wide beam distribution. The central unit of the system is an ESP32 microcontroller that performs control functions, generates PWM signals, and coordinates the operation of the actuators. The system was implemented as a dedicated embedded system. The main contribution of this work is the implementation and experimental validation of an embedded control platform integrating mechanical beam shaping and segmented LED control within a single adaptive lighting system. As part of the work, predefined control scenarios for lighting system configuration were developed and experimentally tested. The developed solution increases the functionality of adaptive lighting systems and may contribute to reducing energy consumption by directing light only where required. However, the quantitative evaluation of the energy savings was beyond the scope of the present study. Full article

Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) materials require high solar reflectance and high atmospheric window emissivity. However, high solar reflectance achieved by scattering strategies often relies on porous structures, which can compromise the material’s mechanical reliability. To address this trade-off, we develop a layered alumina nanofiber membrane (LANM) by dual-nozzle electrospinning with programmed alternating deposition, in which alternating deposition and subsequent removal of alumina precursor layers and sacrificial polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) interlayers generate a continuously layered architecture with periodic interfaces and interlayer air gaps. This interfacial geometric design enables simultaneous regulation of solar-band scattering and bending load transfer within a single alumina system. Because photon flux attenuates with depth, shallow interfaces contribute more strongly than deeper ones; therefore, the micro-layered architecture enhances scattering while maintaining high emissivity in the atmospheric window. In outdoor testing, LANM achieved a maximum sub-ambient temperature reduction of ~5.8 °C, representing a further improvement of about 2.4 °C compared to Monolithic alumina nanofiber (ANM). Moreover, interlayer interfaces induce a multiple-neutral-axis mechanism and segmented stress transfer, thereby improving bending deformability rather than load-bearing strength. Full article

High-efficiency industrial motors are increasingly important for reducing energy consumption, operating costs, and indirect carbon emissions. This study presents a comparative evaluation of IE2 and IE4 efficiency class induction motors with the same rated power and frame size through finite element analysis and prototype testing. Two-dimensional transient electromagnetic models were developed in ANSYS Maxwell to investigate magnetic flux distribution, torque behavior, losses, and steady-state performance, and the numerical results were experimentally validated according to IEC 60034-2-1 procedures. The results show that the IE4 motor provides a more balanced magnetic flux distribution, lower local saturation tendency, reduced torque ripple, and lower total losses than the IE2 motor. Experimental measurements confirmed the numerical predictions with good agreement, particularly at the rated operating point. In addition to higher efficiency, the IE4 motor exhibited stronger starting and breakdown torque characteristics, indicating superior load-handling capability. An economic assessment based on a representative duty cycle showed that the relative additional cost of the IE4 motor can be recovered within approximately 0.81 years, while lower annual electricity consumption also reduces indirect CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, the IE4 prototype operated at a lower thermal steady-state temperature, supporting longer insulation life and improved long-term reliability. Overall, the findings demonstrate that replacing conventional IE2 motors with IE4 alternatives is not merely an efficiency upgrade, but also a technically robust, economically justified, and environmentally effective strategy for sustainable industrial systems. Full article

The magnetic susceptibilities of various electrically insulating ordinary fluids depend on their local states, such as their density and temperature. When such fluids, which can be characterized as either paramagnetic or diamagnetic and occur commonly in nature, are subjected to magnetic field gradients, it induces an effective body force—the Kelvin force. This force, which depends on the susceptibility and the gradient of the square of the magnetic field strength, can become one of the effective mechanisms for modulating the flow and transport, particularly where terrestrial gravity becomes negligible, such as in free space or under microgravity conditions. For the first time, we developed a theoretical model demonstrating that a viscous current can be generated due to the contrasts between the magnetic susceptibilities of the intruding and ambient fluids in the presence of gradients in magnetic fields, analogous to the viscous gravity current in terrestrial situations. We derived similarity solutions for the two-dimensional and axisymmetric currents arising from a balance between the Kelvin buoyancy and viscous forces with a prescribed power law for the magnetic field strength. These determine the shape and various spreading relationships of the viscous current. For a prescribed time variation in the source flux, it is shown that a family of scaling laws exists for the spreading rate and the thickness of the current, which depend on the steepness of the magnetic field gradient. Unlike gravity, since the driving horizontal buoyancy arising from the Kelvin force is externally specified, it potentially offers a mechanism to control the characteristic shape and the rate of motion of the viscous current. Full article